Well I have a load of knitter switches ready to mount but have come accross a problem.I cannot seem to find any of the electronic stores here that carry the mounting nuts that will screw onto the switch, believe it or not the switches don't come with nuts, so if you order them make sure you order nuts too !Looking at the spec sheet the nut is specified as an M7 x 0,75 It should be what they call a half nut (low profile) & I think the M7 means metric, dunno what the 0,75 means ?Would anyone out there know where I could source these here in Australia or does anyone have a bag of them that they would like to sell.I have tried RS-Components, Farnell, Jaycar & DickSmith here but I just can't seem to score any & holding up my project.Thanks in advance Glenn.

Hi Glenn,The nuts you refer to are metric sized, hence the "M" designation.The first number, the 7 refers to the metric diameter of the thread which in decimal is equivalent to .2755". The next dimension, the ,75 refers to the pitch of the threads which is equivalent to .0295".I've checked some of the local electronic suppliers, but have only found US threaded versions. If you can check some of your local suppliers, ask for "electrical nuts" or "panel nuts".I'll keep checking some other suppliers here and let you know if I find anything.Best regards,KenDakenskys

Thanks Ken for the info, are you in the same boat too ?I have not tried any local fastener suppliers here yet but I will post any results when I do.Thanks for the info, now I won't feel so dumb when I am asking for these things.Cheers Glenn.

Have you tried using a nut from a potentiometer or rotary switch to see if they fit. They have larger shafts so they may fit.Also have a look at Bunnings Hardware or Super Cheap auto etcGaz

Glenn,You can try what Gaz says about testing other size nuts, but don't force them if they don't fit right away as you could cross thread, or damage the threads. Most pots and other components are larger than your switches, because at .2755" that's slightly over 1/4" in size. Also, the M7 designation is an odd metric size and most likely only for electronic applications. General metrics jump from M6 to M8.A last ditch method might be to use a press on push retainer. Would hold the switch in place but might be a pain to remove. Also, without being able to tighten up on the switch, you run the risk of the switch rotating in the mount.Go to www.mcmaster.com and type in item # 96415A180. It's a push retainer for a 7mm shaft size.Regards,KenDakenskys

Yep Gaz, I actually thought it was the least of my problems, I've only tried nuts from toggle switches they are pretty close in size but seem to be the wrong thread, Haven't tried supercheap or Bunnings yet, I didn't think they would have half nuts like that, but ya never know.Cheers Glenn.

Hey Glenn,Just thought of another idea...not as easy as the actual nut, but if you can find M7 standard Nylon nuts with the same ,75 pitch, you might be able to cut them down in height. Nylon is certainly easier to work with than steel.Ken

Yeh I know what you mean about the cross threading Ken, to make it worse the knitter housing is plastic so I have to be very careful.Wondered why in the farnel & RS catalogues all the nuts jump from M6 to M8.......I was thinking what ever happened to 7 !!It allways seems to happen to me........Glenn.

Glenn,Mouser Electronics www.mouser.com carries metric nuts. Part number 481-0007. If no joy there, Keystone Electronics Corp makes a great deal of these type of nuts. Perhaps they can help you find a local distributor.Finally, here is an interesting website: www.e-fastener.comMikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

Hey Glenn,FOUND THEM .Go to www.mouser.com and check out item # 48AN007.These are M7 ,75 hex nuts. The height is 2mm which is about .078They cost $ .027 in lots of 100.Good luck!!KenDakenSkys

Yep they offer half nuts in packets of 25,50 etc but you may find that they also will jump from 6mm to 8mm. Didnt think of that when I wrote my post. You may also try the local hobby store. I have a hobby store across the road from where I live that has a large radio controlled Car/Airplane section so I can have a look tomorrow for you if you like. You could also try an electrical wholesaler company.Gaz

sorry info incorrect about mouser from my earlier post

Thanks for all the help guys, I will give a few more local suppliers a go first, at least somebody in the world beleives in these nuts & stocks them, I was starting to get worried for a minute.Glenn.

Glenn,Glad we could all help out.Ken

What I used, Glen, were the little square tin retainers they use for sheet metal clips on car bodywork. They are slightly bowed and push over the thread of the switch. Once you get them pushed down, their own springyness keeps them pressed up against the panel. They're like 2c each at the local Ace hardware.